Porto 4 Day Itinerary

Porto 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Historic Center

Morning:

  • Start your day with a traditional Portuguese breakfast at Café Majestic (Largo de Cordova, 102) or Bom Jesus do Monte (Rua das Flores, 79).
  • Visit Clérigos Church and Tower (Largo de São Félix, 1) for a panoramic view of the city.
  • Wander through the charming São Bento Railway Station (Praça Almeida Garrett) with its magnificent azulejos (tiles).

Afternoon:

  • Explore the Ribeira district, including the Church of Saint Francis (Igreja de São Francisco) and the St. Catherine’s Chapel (Capela das Almas).
  • Take a relaxing boat tour along the Douro River to see the beautiful bridges and traditional Rabelo boats.

Evening:

  • Dine at Casa de Pasto (Rua do Canal 37) for delicious seafood dishes.
  • Enjoy a drink at Real Companhia Velha (Largo São Francisco, 21), the oldest port wine company in Portugal.

Day 2: Discovering Porto’s Landmarks and Lifestyle

Morning:

  • Visit Livraria Lello (Rua das Carmelitas 144) - one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, rumored to have inspired J.K. Rowling for her Harry Potter series.
  • Explore the Church of Saint Ildefonso (Igreja de São Ildefonso) and its stunning baroque façade.

Afternoon:

  • Take a short trip to Crystal Palace Gardens (Parque do Cruzado dos Gralhados), offering breathtaking views over the city and the Douro River.
  • Visit Fundação de Serralves (Avenida D. João I, 2100-387) for modern art exhibitions and its beautiful gardens.

Evening:

  • Have dinner at Burger Brazilia (Rua do Almada 164) for some tasty burgers.
  • Head to the iconic Café Guarany (Rua Santa Catarina 172) for a lively atmosphere and traditional Porto music.

Day 3: Port Wine Tasting and Downtown Vibe

Morning:

  • Visit the Porto Seco area, where you can find some of Porto’s most beautiful examples of Art Nouveau architecture.
  • Stop by the Porto Calém Visitor Centre (Rua do Choupelo, 249) for a guided tour and wine tasting.

Afternoon:

  • Head to Vila Nova de Gaia and visit the Taylor’s Port Wine Cellars (Rua do Choupelo, 210) for another fascinating tour and tasting experience.
  • Relax at Miradouro da Vitória for a stunning view over the Douro River and the Ribeira district.

Evening:

  • Dine at Café Mário (Rua de Cedofeita, 30) for traditional Portuguese cuisine.
  • Enjoy some live music at Avenida (Rua das Flores, 68).

Day 4: Day Trip to Guimarães and the Atlantic Coast

Morning:

  • Take a day trip to Guimarães, the first European capital of Portugal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Visit Castle of Guimarães (Castelo de Guimarães) and wander through its charming medieval streets.

Afternoon:

  • Head to the beautiful Praia do Norte in Viana do Castelo for a relaxing afternoon by the sea.
  • Stop by the impressive Chapel of Santo André (Capela de Santo André) on your way back to Porto.

Evening:

  • Have a farewell dinner at Cafeína (Rua do Almada, 178), offering innovative Portuguese cuisine in a trendy setting.

Things to Know:

  • The city is quite hilly, so be prepared for some walking. Wear comfortable shoes!
  • Porto’s metro system is convenient and affordable. A single ticket costs €1.95, and a 24h ticket costs €6.05.
  • The official language is Portuguese, but many people also speak English.
  • Tip: about 10% in restaurants and hotels.
  • Try the Pastel de Nata (custard tarts) for dessert at Manteigaria (Rua dos Francesinhos, 30).

Enjoy your trip to Porto! 😊